ABOUT VAYOTS DZOR
Just two hours south of Yerevan, in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region you can discover beautiful hikes, exciting cultural heritage sites and traditions, and some of Armenia’s best wineries.
A Long and Rich History
At the heart of the ancient Silk Road, Vayots Dzor has been situated for millennia at the crossroads of many cultures. This region offers remnants of ancient, medieval, and modern societies which dot the cultural and natural landscape. In just one short hike in the Vayots Dzor countryside, you might stumble upon the remains of a medieval church or hear stories about an abandoned cemetery from the 13th century.
In recent years, researchers have unearthed new discoveries about Vayots Dzor’s ancient past. In 2007, archaeologists discovered evidence from at least 6,000 years ago, that the region’s Areni-1 Cave this site of some of the earliest wine production in the world.
Natural Wonders
The region is also host to a remarkable number of animals, many listed in Armenia’s Red Book, which catalogues rare and endangered species in Armenia.Bezoar goats, Caucasian bears, wild boars, eagles, vultures, and even the elusive Caucasian leopard call the hills of Vayots Dzor home, making this region a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts.
In nature preserves like Gnishik Community-Managed Protected Area, Vayots Dzor’s local communities and international organizations like the World Wildlife Fund work together to maintain Armenia’s biodiversity by monitoring hundreds of plant and animal species. Whether peering through binoculars at an elusive bearded vulture nest or waking up early to catch a glimpse of a herd of Bezoar goats, local rangers and guides can help you navigate the natural landscape and point your gaze towards some amazing scenery and animals.
The dramatic, rocky and dry terrain, ranging in elevation from about 990m in Areni village to 3522m in the Vardenis Mountains, supports a wide variety of biodiversity. The numerous rivers that flow through the region, and their respective springs, create fertile plots of land that support many types of small trees and shrubs in addition to orchards and vineyards. Wildflowers and fruits that grow along riverbanks in between gorges create mesmerizing pops of color. You can explore the natural landscape in an adventurous 4×4 vehicle or on foot.
A Rich Cultural History
Vayots Dzor has been continuously settled for many thousands of years. The caves that dot the mountainous landscape contain evidence of habitation by prehistoric nomadic herders. Indeed, these caves reveal tantalizing clues about ancient culture in this region, including, most notable, evidence of winemaking from 4,000 BC.
If you are in Vayots Dzor in the fall, be sure to check out the Wine Festival, where regional vineyards showcase their wines. Spend the festival wine tasting, enjoying delicious Armenian foods, and joining traditional Armenian dances.
The region is also home to many talented woodworking, stone carving, and carpet weaving artisans. There are a multitude of cultural traditions to witness and experience in Vayots Dzor. Watch a khachkar (cross-stone) master carve large blocks of volcanic felsite and basalt into beautifully intricate sculptures or observe local women bake lavash (traditional Armenian flatbread) in a subterranean tonir oven. Many local experts are happy to display their skills and products.
Learn more about these craft traditions in Vayots Dzor’s many museums. At the Yeghegnadzor Regional History Museum, you can study interesting archaeological finds and view ethnographic collections that document more recent traditions. If you are in the mood for contemporary art, visit the Yeghegnadzor and Jermuk Art Galleries.
